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2025 Archive Index - All Editions

Aside from these news stories several incidents have just been added to that section at this time. One in Azerbaijan (2 conscript soldiers), one in Norway (one skier survived a 7 hr burial, another escaped from the fjord, a third died), and one in Sweden (heli-skiing).

Deer Valley Patrol demonstrates avalanche dogs training

Utah has had its share of dangerous avalanche conditions this winter. When an avalanche hits, first responders have mere minutes to rescue anyone buried. Deer Valley Ski Resort's Ski Patrol introduced KSL to some important members of those search crews: dogs with the training to find people quickly. KSL got a behind-the-scenes look at Prothers' 18-month-old lab Maggie working alongside 4-year-old border collie healer mix Tingo and 10-year-old red heeler lab Rooster. Maggie, an 18-month-old black lab, is Level A certified, meaning she can be called out to backcountry search and rescue incidents.

Deer Valley avalanche mitigation assistant manager Mark Chytka said fortunately, the dogs don't respond to emergencies often. "The dogs are a really good tool inbounds in the resorts because a lot of our guests don't wear beacons, which is kind of the device that we use to find people in avalanches," he said. The dogs can become certified to work out of bounds too, which means they're Level A certified. "They're that last ditch kind of insurance policy basically to make sure that there's nothing, there's no human scent in that debris field," Chytka said.
Source ... (KSL)

Kootenay Pass Closed (update: reopened)

Highway 3 is closed in both directions on a stretch of road between Salmo and Creston due to a high avalanche hazard, according to Drive BC. The provincial service is reporting the closure is between West Avalanche Gate and East Avalanche Gate and carries on for 18 kilometres on the Kootenay Pass. A detour is not available.

A special weather statement was issued Monday for West Kootenay, Kootenay Lake, Arrow Lakes - Slocan Lake, and Highway 3 - Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass. Environment Canada said rain on snow will likely give messy road conditions. "For the towns in West Kootenay, Kootenay Lake, and Arrow Lakes - Slocan Lake regions, total rainfall accumulations may reach 20 to 30 millimetres by tonight," Environment Canada said in its warning. They added that mountain snow melting may give rise to more water pooling and localized flooding.

Update: Highway 3 has now reopened between Salmo and Creston.
Source ... (Castanet)

Mt. Baker Ski Area closed for 2 days, avalanche hazards

Officials with the Mt. Baker Ski Area announced yesterday, Sunday, March 23, 2025, they would be closed today and tomorrow due to recent heavy snowfall.

"Well everyone, we have had the most Miracle March we could have asked for, not an easy one to beat! Starting this afternoon, however, we are seeing a big turn in weather for the next few days. With forecasts calling for an atmospheric river with a significant amount of rain and wind starting Sunday night, Mt. Baker will be temporarily closed Monday and Tuesday March 24 & 25."

– Mt. Baker Ski Area (March 23, 2025)

Officials say they are planning to reopen Wednesday and see more snow in the forecast. They warn that when they are closed, “facilities are not maintained for public use. Access to any areas is strictly at your own risk.” Outside the ski area boundaries a backcountry avalanche danger advisory has been issued by the US Forest Service.
Source ... (Whatcom News)